Ingredients for microbial health: from science to application
Interest in gut health is transforming market demands, and rightly so. The gut, home to a vast number of microorganisms, is the epicentre of our overall wellbeing. Consumers are seeking advanced solutions supported by scientific evidence. Today we share the study conducted by our expert team at Bordas in collaboration with Cryptobiotix, a company specialising in microbiome research, which explores the new generation of ingredients for microbial health and how they are transforming the food supplement sector.
The most innovative functional ingredients
How can we go further and use ingredients that deliver health benefits? What if a sweetener could transform gut health? The answer lies in science and in the study of flavonoid benefits.
Committed to providing ingredients that can support the development of formulas for people’s health and wellbeing, the R&D department at Bordas, in collaboration with Cryptobiotix, carried out a study using ex vivo SIFR® technology, which measures the impact of Citroneo® and Naromine®, two calorie-free citrus-derived sweeteners, on the gut microbiota of both healthy and overweight individuals.
The citrus revelation: the impact of flavonoids on the microbiota
At Bordas, our mission is to unlock nature’s potential and transform it into key benefits for people and the environment around us. Through this study, and with the observed effects, Citroneo® and Naromine® demonstrate that their function goes far beyond their organoleptic properties.
These compounds act as high-performance ingredients for microbial health. These are some of the key findings of this study:
1. Increase in Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) and Bacterial Strains
Perhaps one of the most significant findings of this study was the ability of Citroneo® and Naromine® to stimulate the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), metabolites crucial for health. Specifically, a notable increase was observed in acetate, propionate and butyrate.
These compounds not only possess anti-inflammatory properties that help preserve the integrity of the intestinal mucosa, but also play an important role in modulating immune responses, regulating intestinal motility and strengthening the intestinal barrier. Altogether, these actions make SCFAs essential elements for the proper functioning and wellbeing of the digestive system1.
Additionally, Citroneo® and Naromine® showed an increase in bacterial species beneficial to gut health, including genera such as Bifidobacterium, contributing to a more balanced microbiome and a healthier intestinal environment. These results suggest that both ingredients offer potential health benefits.
2. The role of Eubacterium ramulus and butyrate production
Going deeper into the study, it was identified that the increase in butyrate is linked to a rise in the bacterium Eubacterium ramulus. This bacterial species is commonly found in healthy subjects and is a key factor in flavonoid fermentation, confirming that our ingredients not only pass through the gut but also interact with it actively and beneficially, positively influencing gut health.
Potential in the weight management market
A remarkable discovery in this respect was the impact of the ingredients on overweight (OW) individuals.
The effect of Citroneo® and Naromine® was significantly more pronounced on the microbiota of overweight participants. This resulted in a higher production of short-chain fatty acids and, crucially, greater microbial diversity – a recognised indicator of robust gut health. This finding opens up a very promising avenue for the development of supplements focused on metabolic wellbeing and weight management.
Transforming any formula into next-generation products
The evidence is clear: ingredients such as Citroneo® and Naromine® are much more than sweeteners. They are microbial health ingredients with a proven mechanism of action and tangible benefits.
The transformation of the gut health market demands innovation, science and a trusted partner. At Bordas, we do not only provide ingredients; we deliver transformative, evidence-based solutions. If you are ready to lead and develop the next generation of wellness products, contact our team of experts.
1 Blaak EE, Canfora EE, Theis S, Frost G, Groen AK, Mithieux G, Nauta A, Scott K, Stahl B, van Harsselaar J, van Tol R, Vaughan EE, Verbeke K. Short-chain fatty acids in the human gut and metabolic health. Benef Microbes. 2020 Sep 1;11(5):411-455.
